�þ���Ƶ

The Hall of Presidents swarmed with students Wednesday night during the second annual Study Abroad Fair.

More than 18 �þ���Ƶ off-campus study programs were represented, as well as non-�þ���Ƶ programs.

The fair is intended to help the 62 percent of students who go abroad before they graduate, the majority with �þ���Ƶ programs, according to Barbara Gorka, director of international programs.

Students talk about off-campus study programs at the Study Abroad Fair held at the Hall of Presidents. (Photo by Luke Connolly ’09)

In the HOP there were tables set up to help students figure out financial aid and to assist students on finding post-graduate fellowship abroad. Students considering off-campus programs approached past study-abroad students to ask questions and talk about their experiences.

Each study group has a different focus and affords the students new and exciting experiences.

For Melanie Homoki ’09, Joanna Best ’09, and Katy Morley ’09, one of the best parts of the London Study Group in Art and Art History was being able to explore the city and take advantage of its many cultural opportunities related to the arts.

Megan Pollard ’09 and Kristin Anderson ’09 loved the work experience they received on the Washington D.C. Study Group and the connections they made with �þ���Ƶ graduates working on Capitol Hill.

There were also many non-�þ���Ƶ programs represented at the fair.

This past summer Matt LaTronica ’09 went on SEA (Sea Education Association) Semester, a 12-week program that affords students hands-on experience conducting ocean research.

“Sea Semester is an awesome experience. It teaches you to deal with situations you normally wouldn’t encounter and work with people you wouldn’t normally work with. It pushes you to your limits but you get big rewards,” said LaTronica.

This year’s fair also helped to highlight the Global �þ���Ƶ  which connects those interested in �þ���Ƶ with students currently studying abroad.

Eight student bloggers in Japan, Manchester, Australia, Prague, Cairo, London, Trinidad, and Washington D.C., are providing first-hand accounts about everything from new courses to great restaurants to ways to better understand new cultures.

Students upload photos and videos about their programs, providing those considering going abroad with another research tool and a way to connect with the worldwide �þ���Ƶ community.